2024 AP Chinese Exam Guide

Your Guide to the 2025 AP Chinese Language and Culture Exam

We know that studying for your AP exams can be stressful, but Fiveable has your back! We created a study plan to help you crush your AP Art History exam. This guide will continue to update with information about the 2025 exams, as well as helpful resources to help you do your best on test day. Unlock Cram Mode for access to our cram events—students who have successfully passed their AP exams will answer your questions and guide your last-minute studying LIVE! And don't miss out on unlimited access to our database of thousands of practice questions. 

Don't let your AP scores define you! No matter what, give yourself a pat on the back for all your efforts, and know that a two hour and 15 minute test 📖 cannot cover everything you've learned! ❤️

Format of the 2025 AP Chinese Exam

Going into test day, this is the exam format to expect: 

• Section 1A: Multiple Choice- Listening
  • 25-35 Questions | 20 Minutes | 25% of Exam Score
  • Two subsections:
    • Identifying the right continuation of a conversation
    • Answering questions about different listening stimuli (like transportation and radio announcements, dialogues, and instructions)
• Section 1B: Multiple Choice- Reading
  • 30-40 Questions | 60 Minutes | 25% of Exam Score
  • A variety of print materials, like notes, emails, letters, and short stories, will be presented
  • You will be asked to identify main ideas and supporting details, define vocabulary and infer unfamiliar words, determine the meaning of the text based on cultural and interdisciplinary material, and infer implied meanings from the context
• Section 2A: Free Response- Written
  • 2 Tasks | 30 Minutes | 25% of Exam Score
  • You will be given fifteen minutes for each prompt
  • The first task is a presentational writing question, where you will be asked to narrate a story illustrated by a series of pictures
  • The second task is an interpersonal writing question, where you will be asked to read and respond to an email
• Section 2B: Free Response- Spoken
  • 2 Tasks | 10 Minutes | 25% of Exam Score
  • You will be given four minutes for the first question and six minutes for the second (not including the prompt time)
  • The first task is an interpersonal speaking question, where you will respond to a series of related questions as part of a mock "conversation"
  • The second task is a presentational speaking question, where you will deliver a short presentation (2 minutes) on a given aspect of Chinese culture.

Check out the 2023 AP Chinese Free-Response Questions and Speaking Prompts!

Scoring Rubric for the AP Chinese Exam

View an example set of questions and the corresponding scoring guidelines from the College Board to get an idea of what they look for in your responses!

Check out our study plan below to find resources and tools to prepare for your AP Chinese exam.

When is the 2025 AP Chinese Language and Culture Exam and How Do I Take It?

The exam will be in school on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 12 PM your local time.

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How Should I Prepare for the Exam?

• First, download the AP Chinese Language and Culture Cheatsheet PDF - a single sheet that covers everything you need to know at a high level. Take note of your strengths and weaknesses!
• We've put together the study plan found below to help you study between now and May. This will cover all of the units and essay types to prepare you for your exam. Pay special attention to the units that you need the most improvement in.
• Study, practice, and review for test day with other students during our live cram sessions via Cram Mode. Cram live streams will teach, review, and practice important topics from AP courses, college admission tests, and college admission topics. These streams are hosted by experienced students who know what you need to succeed.

Pre-Work: Set Up Your Study Environment

Before you begin studying, take some time to get organized.

🖥 Create a study space.

Make sure you have a designated place at home to study. Somewhere you can keep all of your materials, where you can focus on learning, and where you are comfortable. Spend some time prepping the space with everything you need and you can even let others in the family know that this is your study space. 

📚 Organize your study materials.

Get your notebook, textbook, prep books, or whatever other physical materials you have. Also, create a space for you to keep track of review. Start a new section in your notebook to take notes or start a Google Doc to keep track of your notes. Get yourself set up!

📅 Plan designated times for studying.

The hardest part about studying from home is sticking to a routine. Decide on one hour every day that you can dedicate to studying. This can be any time of the day, whatever works best for you. Set a timer on your phone for that time and really try to stick to it. The routine will help you stay on track.

🏆 Decide on an accountability plan.

How will you hold yourself accountable to this study plan? You may or may not have a teacher or rules set up to help you stay on track, so you need to set some for yourself. First, set your goal. This could be studying for x number of hours or getting through a unit. Then, create a reward for yourself. If you reach your goal, then x. This will help stay focused!

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AP Chinese 2024 Study Plan

👨‍👩‍👧 Unit 1: Families in China

Unit Summary: 

Unit 1 delves into the concept of family in diverse Chinese societies, from traditional to modern structures. It examines how language shapes family dynamics and emphasizes the impact of families on values, beliefs, and traditions. In this unit, you will explore Chinese identities, contemporary life, and global challenges, gaining insights into topics like transportation, tourism, economics, environment, and international relations.

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

• Unit 1 Overview: Families in Different Societies
• 1.1 Families and Communities in China
• 1.2 Personal and Public Identities in China
• 1.3 Contemporary Life in China: Transportation and Tourism
• 1.4 Global Challenges Facing China

🗣️ Unit 2: Language & Culture in China

Unit Summary: 

In Unit 2, you'll investigate the intricate relationship between language, culture, and personal identity. This includes discussions on personal pronouns, religion, education, social norms, and government influence. The unit highlights the impact of technology and censorship on online identity, and how these factors shape individual freedoms.

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

• Unit 2 Overview: The Influence of Language and Culture on Identity
• 2.1 Personal and Public Identities in China
• 2.2 Beauty and Aesthetics in Chinese Architecture and Literature
• 2.3 Chinese Dining Etiquette and Chinese Cuisine
• 2.4 Internet and Healthcare in China

🎨 Unit 3: Beauty & Art in China

Unit Summary: 

In Unit 3, you will explore the influence of beauty and art on Chinese culture. This includes traditional performing arts like Peking opera, Chinese music, and painting techniques. The unit also covers shifting beauty ideals, pop culture's impact, the rich history of Chinese poetry, and iconic architectural wonders like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

• Unit 3 Overview: Influences of Beauty and Art
• 3.1 Chinese Visual and Performing Arts
• 3.2 Chinese Music and Painting
• 3.3 Chinese Beauty Ideals and Pop Culture
• 3.4 Art and History
• 3.5 Chinese Poetry and Architecture

🔬 Unit 4: Science & Technology in China

Unit Summary: 

Unit 4 examines the influence of science and technology on our lives. It covers China's advancements in high-speed rail, space exploration, and quantum computing, as well as challenges in healthcare, mental health, and technology integration, and how these innovations shape society. The impact of technology in Chinese museums, workplaces, education, transportation, and social media platforms is also explored, revealing the transformational effects of modern technology on daily life, communication, and commerce in China.

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

• Unit 4 Overview: How Science and Technology Affect Our Lives
• 4.1 China's Advancements in Science and Technology
• 4.2 Health-Related Challenges in China
• 4.3 Technology in Contemporary Chinese Life
• 4.4 The Impact of Social Media in China

🏠 Unit 5: Quality of Life in China

Unit Summary: 

Unit 5 explores the cultural factors impacting the quality of life in China. It covers Chinese holidays and celebrations, tea culture, traditional medicine, and calligraphy and martial arts. From the significance of Chinese New Year festivities to the holistic approach of traditional medicine, you will learn about how these elements shape daily life and cultural practices in China.

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

• Unit 5 Overview: Factors That Impact the Quality of Life
• 5.1 Chinese Holidays and Celebrations
• 5.2 Chinese Tea Culture and Fengshui
• 5.3 Chinese Traditional Medicine
• 5.4 Chinese Calligraphy and Martial Arts

💴 Unit 6: Challenges in China

Unit Summary: 

Unit 6 is about China's current environmental, political, and societal challenges. From pollution and urbanization to government policies and aging population concerns, the unit provides an in-depth exploration of the complex issues facing the country. In this unit, you will gain insights into China's efforts to address these challenges, and develop a deeper understanding of its evolving landscape.

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

• Unit 6 Overview: Environmental, Political, and Societal Changes
• 6.1 Global Tensions and Human Rights in China
• 6.2 Education and Work Culture in China
• 6.3 Environmental Issues in China
• 6.4 Economic and Housing Challenges Facing China

Exam Tips and Practice

Section 1: Multiple Choice Questions ✅

This section is comprised of audio clips 🔊 and reading materials (short) 📚 Be ready to answer multiple choice questions based on what you hear 🎧 and read 📖! 

Tips and Tricks  

• There is NO penalty 🚫 for incorrectly answered MCQs so you should answer EVERY SINGLE QUESTION and don't leave anything empty ⚪! Take advantage of it! Try to cross off possibilities ❌ and choose ✅ the most plausible one, but take a guess if you have to! You won't be penalized!
• Be ready to listen to rejoinders, transportation announcements, voice messages, school conversations, radio reports, instructions, and uncontextualized dialogues!
• While the audio is playing, try to physically or mentally take notes (on your scratch paper) about the key points mentioned. This includes locations and dates/time. If it's a conversation, make note of who is speaking as well.
• Audios may be played once or twice, so be on the lookout for what you are told and see! They cannot be paused or repeated beyond what is given, so listen carefully.
• You cannot toggle between questions for audio prompts, so once it's over, it's over.
• You will usually get a couple of questions corresponding to 1 audio, so don't immediately erase what you heard just yet!
• Be ready to read notes, emails about sequence of events, emails describing locations, pen pal letters, poster announcements, advertisements, public signs, even brochures, journalistic articles, and short stories!
• Highlight/underline ⭐ important details as you're reading through the selections. Skim over your questions corresponding to the sections first, and then look for answers tying back to the questions in the reading selections.
• Take your time as you go through the questions, but don't get stuck! Fill in an answer, but leave a mark beside the question so you can come back to it after you go through all the MCQs AND if you have time at the end. You can leave two types of marks to differentiate importance/how quickly you can rethink it (on your scratch paper): a star if you're almost there and a question mark if you need to spend more time on it. Then, when returning, you can prioritize the questions with a star next to them, and then, if you have time again, spend more time on the questions with a question mark for a nice finish!

Section 2: Free Response Questions 🗣️ ✍️

This section is comprised of a story narration 📘, an email response 📧, a conversation 💬, and a cultural presentation 🗣️ Practice using different prompts (including ones given by College Board)! 

Here are some commonly used task verbs! Get familiar 🤗 with them! 

Image taken from AP Chinese Language and Culture Course and Exam Description.

Tips and Tricks for Story Narration 📘

• You will be given 4️⃣ pictures to write a story 📕 from.
• Make sure to include a beginning, a middle, and an end.
• It may help to write an outline in English/preferred language and then write it in Chinese 🇨🇳
• Spread out your time ⏲️ so that you can cover all of the 4️⃣ images. You can always fill in your skeleton story and add fluff and details after! You don't want to miss the last one! Conclude, conclude, conclude your story!
• Include Chinese 🇨🇳 idioms if you can and lots and lots of vocabulary (but use it correctly)!
• Be careful not 🚫 to mess up words that are the same when typing ⌨️ Pinyin (homonyms)!

Tips and Tricks for Email Response 📧

• After receiving an email from a friend, craft a well rounded response that covers ALL questions ❓and all other topics included in the email.
• A popular theme is questions or issues about everyday life. Using your own experience with these topics (if you can) can help with ideas 💡 on how to respond. Make a note of all key questions/points and cross ❌ each one out as you answer them.
• Include Chinese 🇨🇳 idioms if you can and lots and lots of vocabulary (But use it correctly)!
• Be careful not 🚫 to mess up words that are the same when typing ⌨️ Pinyin (homonyms)!
• Start with 你好(Responder's name) and end with a closing greeting (varies from prompt to prompt, but a popular one is 加油 🤞). With that, you can tack on the specific possible issue/problem/question that they are dealing with as a nice conclusion.

Tips and Tricks for a Conversation 💬

• You will be told what your role is in a conversation, who you are talking to, and what the subject is about. You will listen 🎧 to who you're having a conversation with talk first, and then you will be given 20 seconds to record a response. This will go on for 6️⃣ questions.
• This section is CHALLENGING! You are not alone if you start panicking or thinking about what to respond with! Remember the main points 💡 the speaker wants you to answer and work your way through it.
• Pace yourself as you speak, don't rush through it, but don't talk too slowly either. Take a pause ⏸️ if you need to think at the end of a sentence.
• Include vocabulary that you are familiar with so that the conversation can flow. Include as much as you can.
• Make note if you're talking to someone who is not your peer. Be sure to use 您 instead of 你 for formalities.
• The best way to do well in this section is once again to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! The most important things are said 3️⃣ times! Try to fit in regular conversations in Chinese 🇨🇳 with other people, such as your classmates and teacher.
• Don't forget to check out the College Board Prompts as well to get used to the structure! These include previous years' FRQs and Audio Prompts with Example Answers and Scoring Guidelines!

Tips and Tricks for Cultural Presentation 🗣️

• You will need to choose a cultural topic based off a couple of given options, and then give a 2️⃣ minute presentation 🗣️ on the prompt.
• You will have 4️⃣ minutes to prepare before your 2️⃣ minute presentation 🗣️
• During the preparation time, you should write down main points on the topic you chose to cover. This will help with organization. Include the major points first, then after, group together a section of minor points. The major points should average to about less than 1 minute of speaking to give yourself some wiggle room. The minor points should cover about 30 seconds of material. Make sure to include a conclusion and wrap up your presentation . A good way to end your presentation is to talk about how the topic ties into your own life and the global community. Rehashing the main points at the end is another good way to conclude.
• After preparation, during the presentation, follow your written list of topics to talk about. You can cover anything else that may come to mind, but don't go off track or off the prompt.
• Practice with a timer as it'll help you figure out when to switch between sections and how much time you need.
• It's okay to present for less than 2️⃣ minutes, just don't go over because you will be cut off.
• Pace your speaking and pause ⏸️ in the correct places. Make sure your sentence structure is correct 👍. Switch up your vocabulary words and use as many as you can.
• Talk about the significance! It has been repeatedly missed by many AP Chinese students so don't forget about it! Best of luck 🤞! 加油🛢️！继续好好的复习！记得一定要模拟考试📖！用College Board 给的资料📄是一个非常好👍的主意！祝你好运🍀！